i read that, but it is still the most simple method, if you ever plan on being able to do anything with phpmyadmin while outside your local net. if in fact you only want to do stuff on your local network disable the phpmyadmin in httpd.conf and use the gui tool or cmd line. or there is a script somewhere that makes you login into phpmyadmin (google: login to phpmyadmin) or write your own.

~~:M A G n U m:~~
(Disclaimer: if any of this info is confusing or vague tough, its free!!)